Heat exchanger with variable heat transfer properties

ABSTRACT

A heat exchanger is designed with variable heat transfer properties. The apparatus may include provisions for altering or varying the heat exchange characteristics of a heat exchanger by using one or more movable members that are connected to the inner surface of a heat exchange conduit to impede flow. The movable members may be positioned in a number of desired positions depending on the heat transfer rate needed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a heat exchanger, and morespecifically to a heat exchanger with variable heat transfer properties.

2. Description of Related Art

Various kinds of heat exchangers have been proposed. One example is U.S.patent publication 20070039721 to Murray. The Murray patent describes aheat exchanger that electromagnetically actuates and controls heattransfer by using electromagnets. One of the heat exchange fluids is aslurry consisting of tiny, highly conductive particles made of metal ormetal oxides. When a signal is transmitted to an electromagnet by anamplifier, a magnetic field is created near the conduit wall. Theparticles in the fluid are attracted to the conduit wall resulting inincreased heat transfer from the conduit wall to the particles andultimately to the fluid.

Some heat exchangers include features that assist in the heat transferprocess. One example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,467 to Zelesky et al. thatteaches a cooled stator vane in a gas turbine engine. The vane is cooledby flowing cooling air through a passage inside the vane. Part of thepassage is provided with stationary chevron shaped trip strips thatangle in the direction of flow. The trip strips are used to increaseconvective heat transfer by creating vortices in the flow. In anotherexample, U.S. Pat. No. 2,930,405 to Welsh teaches stationary fin membersthat extend longitudinally within a heat exchanger tube. The fin membersimprove heat transfer by increasing the surface area for heat transferwithin the tube.

Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a heat exchanger withvariable heat transfer properties that can be varied on demand, iseasily controlled, and can reduce the number of components intrudinginto the fluid stream.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A heat exchanger with variable heat transfer properties is disclosed.

In one aspect, the apparatus may include provisions for altering orvarying the heat exchange characteristics of a heat exchanger by usingone or more movable members that are connected to the inner surface of aheat exchange conduit.

In another aspect, the apparatus may include one or more stationarymembers to impede flow within the heat exchange conduit.

In another aspect, the stationary member free ends may be positioneddownstream of the stationary member secured ends.

In another aspect, the movable members may be positioned in a number ofdesired positions depending on the heat transfer rate needed.

In another aspect, the desired position may include an extended positionwhere the movable members may protrude into the flow path and impedeflow inside the heat exchange conduit.

In another aspect, the desired position may be a distal position definedas the maximum extended position.

In another aspect, the desired position may include a retractedposition, where the movable members minimally impede flow and areproximal to the portion of the heat exchange conduit inner surface thatmay be associated with the movable members.

In another aspect, the apparatus may include provisions for attachingand adjusting the movable members.

In another aspect, the apparatus may include provisions for impeding therange of motion of the movable members.

In another aspect, the apparatus may include a heat exchange system thatincludes a heat exchanger and a device that heats fluid as a byproductof use.

In another aspect, the apparatus may include provisions for altering orvarying the heat exchange characteristics of a heat exchanger atdifferent sections of a heat exchange conduit.

In another aspect, the heat exchanger may include a casing conduit fordirecting the flow of a second fluid.

In another aspect, the heat exchanger may include a retracted movablemember that resides within a recess in a heat exchanger conduit.

In another aspect, the heat exchanger may include movable members thattranslate or extend when moving from a retracted position to an extendedposition.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the invention, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cut away diagram of a preferred embodiment of aheat exchanger;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment ofa heat exchanger with movable members in a retracted position;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment ofa heat exchanger with movable members in an extended position;

FIG. 4 is a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 including a diagramof a possible flow field;

FIG. 5 is a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 3 including a diagramof a possible flow field;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of amovable member;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a heatexchange system including a heat exchanger and a device that heats fluidas a byproduct of use;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a heatexchanger with variable heat transfer capabilities at different sectionsof the heat exchange conduit;

FIG. 9 is a schematic cut away diagram of a preferred embodiment of aheat exchanger including a casing conduit; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic end view of a preferred embodiment of a heatexchanger including a casing conduit.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross sectional view of a preferred embodimentincluding a retracted movable member within a recess or protrusion of aheat exchange conduit.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross sectional view of a preferred embodimentincluding an extended movable member and a protrusion on a heat exchangeconduit.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross sectional view of a preferred embodimentincluding retracted movable members slidably received within a recess ofa heat exchange conduit.

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross sectional view of a preferred embodimentincluding extended movable members slidably received within a recess ofa heat exchange conduit.

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross sectional view of another embodimentincluding retracted movable members slidably received within a recess ofa heat exchange conduit.

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross sectional view of another embodimentincluding extended movable members slidably received within a recess ofa heat exchange conduit

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention include a heat exchanger withvariable heat transfer properties. In some embodiments, heat transferproperties may be varied by altering the flow of a first fluid throughthe heat exchanger.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cut away diagram of a preferred embodiment of aheat exchanger 101. Referring to FIG. 1, a heat exchanger 101 mayinclude inlet conduit 106 that carries a first fluid 105 to heatexchange conduit 104 through heat exchange conduit inlet 108. Generally,first fluid 105 flows through heat exchange conduit interior 111. Heatexchange conduit interior 111 may be defined or bounded by heat exchangeconduit inner surface 109. After passing through heat exchange conduit104, first fluid 105 may leave heat exchange conduit 104 and enteroutlet conduit 112 through heat exchange conduit outlet 110.

Heat exchange conduit 104 may facilitate heat transfer between firstfluid 105 and a second fluid 107. As depicted in FIG. 1, second fluid107 may flow past one or more exterior surfaces of heat exchanger 101.First fluid 105 may contact heat exchange conduit inner surface 109, andsecond fluid 107 may contact one more exterior surfaces of heatexchanger 101, including heat exchange conduit exterior surface 113.This arrangement helps to transfer heat between first fluid 105 andsecond fluid 107.

In some embodiments, the temperature of first fluid 105 may be higherthan the temperature of second fluid 107. In these cases, first fluid105 may heat the heat exchange conduit 104 from heat exchange conduitinner surface 109 to heat exchange conduit exterior surface 113. Secondfluid 107 may cool heat exchange conduit 104 from heat exchange conduitexterior surface 113 to heat exchange conduit inner surface 109. In thismanner, heat may be transferred from first fluid 105 to second fluid107. In other embodiments, the temperature of second fluid 107 may behigher than the temperature of first fluid 105. In these cases, secondfluid 107 may heat the heat exchange conduit 104 from heat exchangeconduit exterior surface 113 to heat exchange conduit inner surface 109.First fluid 105 may cool heat exchange conduit 104 from heat exchangeconduit inner surface 109 to heat exchange conduit exterior surface 113.In this manner, heat may be transferred from second fluid 107 to firstfluid 105.

Some embodiments may include provisions for increasing or decreasing therate of heat transfer of heat exchanger 101. In some cases, the heattransfer rate may be controlled by controlling the fluid flowcharacteristics of one or more of the working fluids associated withheat exchanger 101. Some embodiments may include provisions for alteringor controlling the fluid flow properties within heat exchange conduit104. Preferably, these provisions include one or more mechanismsdisposed within heat exchange conduit 104.

In some embodiments heat exchanger 101 may be utilized as a differentkind of device. For example, the apparatus may be used as a device tocontrol fluid flow characteristics within a system. In other words, heatexchanger 101 may be used as a throttling device to control flow exitingheat exchange conduit 104.

Referring to FIG. 2, heat exchange conduit 104 may encase stationarymember 124. By using stationary member 124 to impede flow through heatexchange conduit 104, the flow rate of first fluid 105 may becontrolled. Stationary member secured end 127 may be connected to heatexchange conduit inner surface 109. Stationary member free end 125 mayprotrude into the flow path of heat exchange conduit 104.

In different embodiments, the shape, size, orientation, and spacing of astationary member 124 may vary. The shape of stationary member 124 maybe any shape that impedes flow. Preferably, stationary member 124 is arectangular flat plate. However, in other embodiments, stationary member124 may be another shape. In one embodiment, stationary member 124 mayprotrude any distance into heat exchange conduit 104. Preferably,stationary member free end 125 may protrude no more than half the heightof heat exchange conduit 104. In one embodiment, stationary member 124may be designed so that stationary member free end 125 can range fromany position upstream of stationary member secured end 127 to anyposition downstream of stationary member secured end 127. In otherwords, stationary member 124 may be angled in an upstream direction, ina vertical position, or angled in a downstream direction. In anexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, stationary member free end 125 maybe positioned downstream of stationary member secured end 127 or rather,angled in a downstream direction. In other embodiments, the spacing ofstationary member 124 from heat exchange conduit inlet 108 may vary.Stationary member 124 may be positioned within heat exchange conduit 104any distance from heat exchange conduit inlet 108. Preferably, thedistance between stationary member 124 and heat exchange conduit inlet108 may be no more than one-half the length of heat exchange conduit104.

Some embodiments may include more than one stationary member. In anexemplary embodiment shown in the figures, heat exchange conduit 104 mayinclude a group of stationary members 131. Similar to stationary member124, the group of stationary members 131 may be connected to andprotrude into heat exchange conduit 104. Also similar to stationarymember 124, the shape, size, orientation, and spacing of the group ofstationary members 131 may vary. In addition, the spacing betweenindividual members of the group of stationary members 131 may vary fromone embodiment to another. Preferably, the distance between theindividual members within a group of stationary members 131 may beapproximately equal to the length of an individual stationary memberwithin the group of stationary members 131.

Typically, impeding flow in a conduit causes turbulence within theconduit and increased mixing. Increased mixing typically increases heattransfer. Therefore, the heat transfer rate between first fluid 105 andsecond fluid 107 may be increased. In addition, heat transfer betweenfirst fluid 105 and second fluid 107 may increase further as theimpedance on first fluid 105 increases. Generally, the greater thenumber of stationary members 131 and the greater the extension ofstationary members 131 into heat exchange conduit 104, the greater thepossibility of increasing heat transfer.

Generally, the flow field within a heat exchange conduit varies based ona number of factors including the size and position of heat exchangeconduit inlet 108, fluid speed, path obstructions, and smoothness ofheat exchange conduit inner surface 109. In a heat exchange conduitwhere the flow of a fluid is unobstructed and the walls are relativelysmooth, the flow field is generally laminar. In an embodiment wherethere may be one stationary member 124 positioned within a heat exchangeconduit 104, first fluid 105 may impinge on stationary member 124typically creating one or more eddies behind stationary member 124. Thefaster the speed of the fluid the more likely one or more eddies willalso be created in front of stationary member 124. Generally, thefurther away portions of first fluid 105 are from stationary member 124the less turbulent and more laminar the flow field becomes.

In an embodiment where there maybe two stationary members 124, 129 theflow field may look similar to the flow field where there may be onlyone stationary member 124. Stationary members 124, 129 will typicallycause eddies to form between stationary members 124, 129 and behindsecond stationary member 129.

In another embodiment including a group of stationary members 131, theflow field may look similar to the previously mentioned examples.However, the group of stationary members 131 will typically cause eddiesto form between individual members of the group of stationary members131 and behind the most downstream member of the group of stationarymembers 131.

In addition to or instead of one or more stationary members, a movablemember 122 may be used to impede flow through heat exchange conduit 104,and thereby alter the flow characteristics and heat exchangecharacteristics of heat exchanger 101. However, unlike the stationarymembers, movable member 122 may be adjusted during the operation of heatexchanger 101 to increase or decrease the flow rate and heat transferrate. Movable member 122 may be positioned in a number of desiredpositions depending on the heat transfer rate needed. Desired positionsmay include retracted positions or extended positions.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment in aretracted position. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the preferredembodiment in an extended position. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, heatexchange conduit 104 may encase movable member 122. By using movablemember 122 to impede flow through heat exchange conduit 104, the flowrate of first fluid 105 may be controlled. Movable member secured end123 may be connected to heat exchange conduit inner surface 109. Movablemember free end 121 may protrude into the flow path of heat exchangeconduit 104.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, movable member 122 may be positioned in aretracted position. In a retracted position, the entire body of movablemember 122 may be positioned close to the portion of heat exchangeconduit inner surface 109 associated with movable member 122. Therefore,when movable member 122 may be in a retracted position, it may minimallyinterfere with or impede the flow of first fluid 105. For example, insome cases, a portion of movable member 122 may touch the portion ofheat exchange conduit inner surface 109 associated with movable member122. In another example, movable member 122 may be parallel to theportion of heat exchange conduit inner surface 109 associated withmovable member 122. In yet another example, a portion of each movablemember 122 may minimally interfere with the flow of first fluid 105 by adepth less than five percent of the length of movable member 122.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, movable member 122 may be positioned in anextended position. Preferably, the extended position may be a positiondifferent than the retracted position. Moving member 122 may assume anumber of different extended positions. The distal position may bedefined as the maximum extended position or the extended position thatmay be the maximum distance from the retracted position.

In the same manner as stationary member 124, the shape, size, andspacing of movable member 122 may vary in different embodiments. Theshape of movable member 122 may be any shape that impedes flow.Preferably, movable member 122 is a rectangular flat plate. However, inother embodiments, movable member 122 may be another shape. In someembodiments, movable member 122 may protrude any distance into heatexchange conduit 104. Preferably, movable member free end 121 mayprotrude no more than half the height of heat exchange conduit 104.However, in some embodiments, movable member free end 121 may protrudebeyond half the height of heat exchange conduit 104. In otherembodiments, the spacing of movable member 122 from heat exchangeconduit inlet 108 may vary. Movable member 122 may be positioned withinheat exchange conduit 104 any distance from heat exchange conduit inlet108. Preferably, the distance between movable member 122 and heatexchange conduit inlet 108 may be no more than one-half the length ofheat exchange conduit 104. However, in other embodiments, this distancemay vary. In embodiments where a stationary member 124 and a movablemember 122 may be encased in heat exchange conduit 104, it may also bepreferable to size and space movable member 122 so that it does notcontact stationary member 124.

Some embodiments may include more than one movable member. In anexemplary embodiment shown in the figures, heat exchange conduit 104 mayinclude a group of movable members 137. Similar to movable member 122,the group of movable members 137 may be connected to and protrude intoheat exchange conduit 104. Also similar to movable member 122, the sizeand spacing of the group of movable members 137 may vary. In addition,the spacing between individual members of the group of movable members137 may vary from one embodiment to another. In an exemplary embodiment,the distance between the individual members within a group of movablemembers 137 may be approximately equal to the length of an individualmovable member within the group of movable members 137.

However, the size and spacing of the group of movable members 137 doesnot necessarily need to correspond with the size and spacing of thegroup of stationary members 131. In other words, an individual movablemember may be larger or smaller than an individual stationary member,and the spacing between individual movable members may be larger orsmaller than the spacing between individual stationary members.

In other embodiments that may use a movable member 122 or more than onemovable member, the flow field within heat exchange conduit 104 mayvary. Additionally, the flow field may vary based on the orientation orposition of movable member 122 and other movable members.

In some cases, the flow field may resemble the flow fields that includestationary members 124, 129, and 131. However, in embodiments thatinclude a movable member 122 opposite to the location of a stationarymember 124, less laminar flow may exist as movable member 122 moves froma retracted position to an extended position. In an extended position,first fluid 105 may impinge on movable member 122 typically creating oneor more eddies within the flow field behind movable member 122.

In an embodiment where there may be two extended movable members 122,133, the flow field may change. Movable members 122, 133 will typicallycause eddies to form between movable members 122, 133 and behind secondmovable member 133.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3 including a group of movablemembers 137, the flow field may look similar to the previously mentionedexamples. However, a group of movable members 137 will typically causeeddies to form between individual movable members within a group ofmovable members 137 and behind the most downstream movable member withina group of movable members 137.

FIG. 4 shows the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2 including a diagram of apossible flow field. FIG. 5 shows the preferred embodiment of FIG. 3including a diagram of a possible flow field. The majority of thereference numerals were removed from FIGS. 4 and 5 so that the flowfields could be more clearly seen, but the same reference numerals usedin FIGS. 2 and 3 are utilized in FIGS. 4 and 5. In FIG. 4, the flowfield near the retracted movable members 137 is generally laminar andturbulence increases near the stationary members 131. Eddies can be seenbefore and after each stationary member. In FIG. 5, the movable members137 and the stationary members 131 extend into the flow field and createturbulence throughout the conduit. Eddies can be seen before and aftereach movable and stationary member.

Preferably, heat exchanger 101 includes provisions for moving andcontrolling movable member 122, and thereby, adjusting the flow field.Controlling the position of the movable member 122 allows a user tochange the fluid flow conditions and heat transfer rate of heatexchanger 101 on demand.

In some embodiments, the control system used to control the motion ofmovable member 122 operates in a manner as to avoid or eliminate theintrusion of additional parts or components that protrude into heatexchange conduit 104. In other words, some embodiments may includenon-invasive control systems.

Some embodiments of heat exchanger 101 may include an electronic controlsystem that can control the position of movable member 122. Preferably,the control system includes a control unit able to remotely control theposition of movable member 122 while heat exchanger 101 operates. Thecontrol system may use either a direct communications link or a wirelesscommunications link to communicate with movable member 122. In someembodiments, both direct and wireless communications methods may beused.

In different embodiments, ECU 132 may include a number of ports thatfacilitate the input and output of information and power. The term“port” means any interface or shared boundary between two conductors. Insome cases, ports may facilitate the insertion and removal ofconductors. Examples of these types of ports include mechanicalconnectors. In other cases, ports are interfaces that generally do notprovide easy insertion or removal. Examples of these types of portsinclude soldering or electron traces on circuit boards. Some embodimentsmay include a given port or provision, while others may exclude it.

In a preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the controlsystem may comprise an electronic control unit (ECU) 132, an ECU line130, electromagnet 128, and movable member magnet 126. In thisembodiment, ECU 132, ECU line 130, and electromagnet 128 wirelesslycommunicate with movable member 122 and movable member magnet 126.However, ECU line 130 provides a direct communications link between ECU132 and electromagnet 128.

In operation, ECU 132 first determines the degree of cooling or heatingneeded for first fluid 105. ECU 132 may make this determination based onany desired parameter, including the heat exchange needs of othersystems. Second, the heat exchange needs may be processed, and a desiredposition for movable member 122 maybe determined. Third, the positioninformation may be transmitted to electromagnet 128 through ECU line130. ECU line 130 may provide the position information in the form of anelectronic signal that may energize electromagnet 128. Fourth, theenergized electromagnet 128 generally creates a magnetic field.Electromagnet 128 may be attached to heat exchange conduit exteriorsurface 113 in the vicinity of movable member 122. Finally, movablemember magnet 126 may move or be repelled away from electromagnet 128 inresponse to the generated magnetic field. The characteristics of themagnetic field are typically dependant on the electronic signaltransmitted through ECU line 130.

In a preferred embodiment, movable member magnet 126 may be a permanentmagnet. In other embodiments, movable member 122, instead of includingmovable member magnet 126, may be magnetized.

As previously indicated, ECU 132 may determine the heat exchange needsof first fluid 105. For example, ECU 132 may determine that an increasein the heat transfer rate is needed. The ECU may process the heattransfer information and may determine and transmit position informationelectronically to electromagnet 128 using ECU line 130. The initialposition of one or more movable members 122, 137 may be a retractedposition or an extended position. The electronic signal causes anincrease in the repulsion between electromagnet 128 and movable membermagnet 126 resulting in an increase in the extension of one or moremovable members 122, 137.

If ECU 132 determines that less heat transfer is needed, the ECU maysend position information electronically to electromagnet 128 using ECUline 130. The altered electronic signal causes a decrease in therepulsion between electromagnet 128 and movable member magnet 126resulting in a decrease in the extension of one or more movable members122, 137.

If ECU 132 determines that a minimum amount of heat transfer is needed,the ECU may transmit position information electronically with a reversedpolarity to electromagnet 128 using ECU line 130. Electromagnet 128creates a magnetic field that attracts movable member 122, 137 andcauses movable members 122, 137 to move from an initial position to aretracted position.

In an alternative embodiment, if the ECU determines that a minimumamount of heat transfer is needed, the ECU may cease to transmitposition information electronically. Instead, the force of first fluid105 may push movable members 122, 137 towards a retracted position. Whenmovable member magnet 126 nears the metal core of electromagnet 128, thenatural attraction between the two allows movable members 122, 137 toreach a retracted position.

Some embodiments may include additional provisions to restrict themovement or range of motion of movable member 122. These provisionsassist in controlling the orientation of movable member 122 so that theflow rate and heat transfer rate can be more precisely controlled.

In order to restrict the movement of movable member 122, someembodiments may include provisions for attaching and adjusting movablemember 122 with respect to heat exchange conduit 104. An embodiment mayinclude a pivoting mechanism that allows movable member 122 to rotateinto and out of the flow field within heat exchange conduit 104.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged schematic view of a preferred embodiment ofmovable member 122 and a mechanism that may enable movable member 122 topivot within heat exchange conduit 104. Referring to FIG. 6, a portionof heat exchange conduit inner surface 109 may include points ofattachment for movable member 122. The points of attachment may includefirst hinge element 134 and second hinge element 135.

First and second hinge elements 134, 135 may be configured asprotrusions that extend from heat exchange conduit inner surface 109towards the center of heat exchange conduit 104. First and second hingeelement secured ends 139, 143 may be connected to heat exchange conduitinner surface 109. First and second hinge element free ends 141, 145 maybe designed to extend a minimal amount into heat exchange conduit 104.The lengths of first and second hinge elements 134, 135 may be at leastthe thickness of movable member 122 and provide enough clearance to movemovable member 122 from a retracted position to the distal position.

First and second hinge element free ends 141, 145 may include a hole.Movable member secured end 123 may also include a hole that extendsthrough the width of movable member 122. Shaft 136 may be insertedthrough all three holes to allow movable member 122 to move and alignwith respect to a generated magnetic field. Shaft 136 may also include amechanism to maintain the shaft within all three holes.

If ECU 132 determines an increase, decrease, or minimal heat transferrate is needed, first and second hinge elements 134, 135 and shaft 136allow movable member free end 123 to move to a retracted position, adistal position, or any extended position between the retracted anddistal positions. As depicted in FIG. 6, movable member 122 representedwith solid lines, may be a retracted position, and movable member 122represented with broken lines, may be an extended position.

Some embodiments may also include provisions for restricting the rangeof motion of movable member 122. Referring to FIG. 6, a stop 138,positioned behind movable member 122, may be used to prevent movablemember 122 from moving beyond the distal position. Stop 138 may be aprotrusion attached to and extending into heat exchange conduit 104 in asimilar manner as first and second hinge elements 134, 135. Preferably,stop 138 may be the same length as first and second hinge elements 134,135.

In different embodiments, the spacing and orientation of stop 138 mayvary based on the distal position of movable member 122. For example,stop 138 may be spaced a distance from movable member 122 so that stop138 does not contact movable member 122 unless movable member 122 shiftsto a distal position. In addition, stop 138 may be designed so that stopfree end 149 can range from any position upstream of stop secured end147 to any position downstream of stop secured end 147. In other words,stop 138 may be angled in an upstream direction, in a vertical position,or angled in a downstream direction. Therefore, the orientation of stop138 may coincide with the orientation of the distal position.

FIGS. 7-10 show alternative embodiments of the heat exchanger. Thesealternative embodiments include the installation of heat exchanger 101within a heat exchange system, control of heat exchange at multiplesections of heat exchange conduit 104, and a heat exchanger including acasing conduit.

Some embodiments may involve the installation of heat exchanger 101within a heat exchange system. The heat exchange system includescomponents that allow first fluid 105 to be heated and cooled.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a heatexchange system including a heat exchanger and a device that heats fluidas a byproduct of use. Referring to FIG. 7, first fluid 105 may beheated by device 140. First fluid 105 may then flow through deviceoutlet 146 and into inlet conduit 106. First fluid 105 then flowsthrough heat exchange conduit inlet 108 and into heat exchange conduit104. After exiting heat exchange conduit 104 through heat exchangeconduit outlet 110, first fluid 105 flows into outlet conduit 112.Outlet conduit 112 returns first fluid 105 to device 140 through deviceinlet 148.

The heat exchange rate of heat exchanger 101 may be dependant on one ormore properties related to device 140. For example, sensor 142 may sensea thermodynamic property of first fluid 105 or device 140. Sensor 142may then transmit the sensed thermodynamic property to ECU 132 throughsensor line 144. Sensor line 144 may provide the sensed thermodynamicproperty in the form of an electronic signal. ECU 132 may have a tablethat includes the value of a thermodynamic property and thecorresponding position information to be transmitted to electromagnet128. ECU 132 may then transmit the corresponding position information toelectromagnet 128 through ECU line 130. Heat exchanger 101 of FIG. 7 maythen function similarly to the previously described embodiments.

Device 140 may be any device that mainly functions to heat a fluid as abyproduct of use. For example, in some embodiments, device 140 may be atransmission, and first fluid 105 may be transmission fluid.

Sensor 142 may be capable of sensing one or more thermodynamicproperties and may be positioned in various locations within the heatexchange system. Preferably, sensor 142 may sense temperature. In someembodiments, sensor 142 may be located within or on an exterior surfaceof device 140. Sensor 142 may be positioned to sense the interiortemperature of device 140 or the temperature of first fluid 105 insidedevice 140. Preferably and as shown in FIG. 7, sensor 142 may bepositioned on an exterior surface of device 140.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 7, the communications link betweensensor 142 and ECU 132 may be sensor line 144, a direct communicationslink. However, like the communications link between ECU 132 andelectromagnet 128, the communications link between sensor 142 and ECU132 may be a direct communications link or a wireless communicationslink.

Some embodiments may include provisions for altering or varying the heatexchange characteristics of a heat exchanger at different sections ofthe heat exchange conduit 104. These provisions allow for discretecontrol of the flow rate and the heat transfer rate throughout heatexchange conduit 104.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a heatexchanger with variable heat transfer capabilities at different sectionsof the heat exchange conduit. The embodiment of FIG. 8 may functionsimilarly to previously mentioned embodiments. Referring to FIG. 8,first fluid 205 may flow through conduit 204. Flow in conduit 204 may beimpeded by one or more stationary members 224, 254. Flow may also beimpeded by one or more movable members.

The position of two or more movable members may be individuallycontrolled by ECU 250. For example, movable members 238, 240, and 242may be individually controlled by ECU 250. When ECU 250 determines theheat exchange needs of first fluid 205, ECU 250 may determine thatdifferent heat transfer rates within heat exchange conduit 204 areneeded. ECU 250 may make this determination based on any desiredparameter, including the heat exchange needs of other systems. The heatexchange needs are processed, and desired positions for movable members238, 240, and 242 may be determined. The position information may betransmitted to electromagnets 244, 246, and 248 through ECU lines 232,234, and 236 respectively. ECU lines 232, 234, and 236 may provide theposition information in the form of an electronic signal to energizeelectromagnets 244, 246, and 248. Each electromagnet 244, 246, and 248may be attached to heat exchange conduit exterior surface 252 in thevicinity of movable members 238, 240, and 242 respectively. Generally,the energized electromagnets 244, 246, and 248 create their own magneticfields, and each movable member 238, 240, and 242 may move or berepelled away from a respective electromagnet in response to anassociated magnetic field. Therefore, the position of each movablemember 238, 240, and 242 may differ within heat exchange conduit 104. Asillustrated in FIG. 8, movable member 238 may be in an extendedposition, while movable member 240 may be in a different extendedposition and movable member 242 may be in a retracted position.

In some embodiments, two or more groups of movable members 226, 228, and230 may be individually controlled by ECU 250. FIG. 8 shows an exemplaryembodiment of how ECU 250 may control the position of each movablemember group 226, 228, and 230 based on the position informationtransmitted through ECU lines 232, 234, and 236. In this embodiment,each group of movable members may be moved to a specific position. Asshown in FIG. 8, the group of movable members 226 may be in an extendedposition, while the group of movable members 228 may be in a differentextended position and the group of movable members 230 may be in aretracted position.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of heat exchange conduit 204 and threegroups of movable members 226, 228, and 230. In addition, FIG. 8 showsthree movable members within each group of movable members 226, 228, and230. Heat exchange conduit 204 may extend in either direction toaccommodate any desired number of groups of movable members and anydesired number of movable members within each group of movable members.

The flow field for an embodiment that includes three groups of movablemembers 226, 228, and 230 and a group of stationary members 254 may looksimilar to the flow fields described and diagrammed for FIGS. 2-5. Theflow field will vary based on the position or orientation of each memberor group of members. Referring to FIG. 8, a group of stationary members254 typically cause eddies to form before and after individualstationary members within the group of stationary members 254. A groupof extended movable members 226 and 228 typically cause eddies to formbefore and after each individual movable member. However, the flow fieldbetween movable members 228 and stationary members 254 may be lessturbulent than the flow field between movable members 226 and stationarymembers 254 because movable members 226 may be extended further into theflow field. A group of retracted movable members 230 may allow agenerally laminar flow field to form near movable members 230, andturbulence typically increases near stationary members 254. In otherwords, the flow field may become less turbulent as the fluid flows fromleft to right through heat exchange conduit 204.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-8, second fluid 107 may flow freely pastone or more exterior surfaces of heat exchanger 101. However, otherembodiments may include provisions for channeling second fluid 107directly to and around heat exchange conduit 104. The provisions mayprovide for more continuous and consistent heat transfer.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cut away diagram of a preferred embodiment of aheat exchanger including a casing conduit. FIG. 10 is a schematic endview of a preferred embodiment of a heat exchanger including a casingconduit. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an encased heat exchanger 100 mayinclude casing inlet conduit 114 that carries second fluid 107 to casingconduit 102 through casing conduit inlet 116. Generally, second fluid107 flows through casing conduit interior 103. Casing conduit interior103 may be defined or bounded by casing conduit inner surface 115. Afterpassing through casing conduit 102, second fluid 107 may leave casingconduit 102 and enter casing outlet conduit 120 through casing conduitoutlet 118. The flow path of first fluid 105 may be similar to thepreviously mentioned embodiments.

Generally, heat exchange conduit 104 resides within casing conduitinterior 103. Conduits 102 and 104 may be sealed so that first fluid 105does not leak into casing conduit interior 103 and second fluid 107 doesnot leak into heat exchange conduit interior 111.

Other embodiments of encased heat exchanger 100 may include provisionsfor altering the flow rate of second fluid 107, and therefore,increasing or decreasing the heat transfer rate of encased heatexchanger 100. These provisions may include a mechanism, such as a pump,for controlling the flow rate of second fluid 107. The provisions mayalso include stationary members and movable members located on heatexchange conduit exterior surface 113, casing conduit inner surface 115,and casing conduit exterior surface 117.

Some embodiments may include provisions for recessing a movable memberwithin a heat exchange conduit when the movable member may be in theretracted position. These provisions may allow for minimal interferenceof the movable member with the flow of fluid when the movable member isin the retracted position.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross sectional view of a preferred embodimentincluding a retracted movable member within a recess or protrusion of aheat exchange conduit. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross sectional view of apreferred embodiment including an extended movable member and aprotrusion on a heat exchange conduit. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12,heat exchange conduit 304 may include a heat exchange conduit protrusion356 that bounds heat exchange conduit recess 357. Movable member 322 mayreside entirely or partially within heat exchange conduit recess 357.Movable member secured end 323 may be connected to heat exchange conduitprotrusion inner surface 359.

When movable member 322 is in a retracted position, movable member 322may reside entirely in heat exchange conduit recess 357. In a preferredembodiment, movable member side 361 lies flush with heat exchangeconduit inner surface 309 when movable member 322 is in the retractedposition. When movable member 322 is in an extended position, movablemember 322 may protrude into the flow path of heat exchange conduit 304.

In the same manner as movable member 122, the shape, size, and spacingof movable member 322 may vary in different embodiments. A notabledifference between movable member 122 and movable member 322 may be thepreferred shape. Preferably, movable member 322 may be wedge-shaped.However, in other embodiments, movable member 322 may be of any shapeincluding a rectangular flat plate.

The shape, size, and spacing of heat exchange conduit recess 357 mayvary in different embodiments. The shape and size of heat exchangeconduit recess 357 may be any shape and size that allows at least aportion of movable member 322 to lie within heat exchange conduit recess357. Preferably, heat exchange conduit recess 357 may be larger than andshaped similarly to movable member 322 and have only enough clearance toallow movable member 322 to move from a retracted position to anextended position. The spacing of heat exchange conduit recess 357 fromother portions of heat exchange conduit 304 may be such that heatexchange conduit recess 357 aligns with the location and orientation ofmovable member 322.

The shape, size, and spacing of heat exchange conduit protrusion 356 mayvary in different embodiments. Heat exchange conduit protrusion interiorsurface 359 bounds heat exchange conduit recess 357. Therefore, heatexchange conduit protrusion interior surface 359 has the shape and sizeof heat exchange conduit recess 357. The shape of heat exchange conduitprotrusion exterior surface 363 may be any shape. Preferably, the shapemay be similar to the shape of heat exchange conduit protrusion interiorsurface 359 and provide sufficient surface area for the heat exchangeconduit's control system to communicate with movable member magnet 326.However, the shape of heat exchange conduit protrusion exterior surface363 need not be shaped similarly to heat exchange conduit protrusioninterior surface 359. Preferably, the size of heat exchange conduitprotrusion exterior surface 363 may be any size that may be larger thanthe size of heat exchange conduit recess 357. The spacing of heatexchange conduit protrusion 356 from other portions of heat exchangeconduit 304 may be such that heat exchange conduit protrusion 356 alignswith the location of movable member 322.

In the same manner as previous embodiments, some embodiments may includemore than one movable member. In these embodiments, each movable memberpreferably has its own heat exchange conduit protrusion and heatexchange conduit recess. However, in other embodiments, one or moremovable members may reside in one heat exchange conduit protrusion andan associated heat exchange conduit recess. Similar to movable members137, the shape, size, orientation, and spacing of the group of movablemembers may vary. In addition, the spacing between individual members ofa group of movable members may vary from one embodiment to another.Preferably, the distance between the individual members within a groupof movable members may be approximately equal to the length of anindividual movable member within the group of movable members.

Similar to previous embodiments, heat exchange conduit 304 may includefirst fluid 305 flowing through the heat exchange conduit interior 311.In embodiments that may use a movable member 322 or more than onemovable member, the flow field within heat exchange conduit 304 mayvary. Additionally, the flow field may vary based on the orientation orposition of movable member 322 and other movable members. The flow fieldmay resemble those previously described for movable members 122, 133,and 137. In addition, because movable members 322, 333, and 337 may berecessed when in a retracted position, the flow may be more laminar thanin previous embodiments where the movable members may not be recessed.

Embodiments including movable member 322 may also include a controlsystem comprising an electromagnet and other electrical components asdescribed in previous embodiments. The electromagnet may be activated toattract or repel a movable member magnet depending on the heat transferneeded. Electromagnet 328 may be located near the heat exchange conduitprotrusion exterior surface 363 and preferably in the vicinity ofmovable member 322 and movable member magnet 326.

Some embodiments may include additional provisions to restrict themovement or range of motion of movable member 322. These provisionsassist in controlling the orientation of movable member 322 so that theflow rate and heat transfer rate can be more precisely controlled. Forexample, heat exchange conduit recess 357 may include a pivotingmechanism that allows movable member 322 to move from a retractedposition, within heat exchange conduit recess 357, to an extendedposition, where movable member free end 321 moves to into heat exchangeconduit 304 to impede flow. The pivoting mechanism may be attached tomovable member 322 near movable member secured end 323 and to heatexchange conduit protrusion interior surface 359. The pivoting mechanismmay be similar to that discussed in previous embodiments and illustratedin FIG. 6. This mechanism may include protrusions that extend towardmovable member 322 from heat exchange conduit protrusion interiorsurface 359 and attach to movable member 322 via shaft 336.

Some embodiments may also include provisions for restricting the rangeof motion of movable member 322. A stop 338 may be used to preventmovable member 322 from moving beyond the distal position. Stop 338 maybe an extension of heat exchange conduit 304, and it may extend intoheat exchange conduit recess 357. To contact stop 338 and preventmovable member 322 from moving beyond a distal position, movable member322 may include movable member extension 358. When movable member 322moves from a retracted position to the distal position, movable memberextension side 360 contacts stop side 362 and prevents movable member322 from moving beyond the distal position.

In different embodiments, the shape, length, and orientation of stop 338and movable member extension 358 may vary based on the distal positionof movable member 322. Stop 338 and movable member extension 358 may beof any shape, length, or orientation. For example, stop 338 may protrudeat an angle into heat exchange conduit recess 357, at an angle into heatexchange conduit interior 311, or at no angle and lie parallel to heatexchange conduit 304. Preferably, stop 338 and movable member extension358 do not contact each other unless movable member 322 shifts to adistal position.

Embodiments of a heat exchange system including a heat exchanger and adevice that heats fluid as a byproduct of use, as illustrated in FIG. 7,may incorporate one or more movable members that may be recessed withina heat exchange conduit protrusion. Heat exchanger 101 may otherwisefunction similarly to previously described embodiments.

Embodiments of a heat exchanger with variable heat transfer capabilitiesat different sections of the heat exchange conduit, as illustrated inFIG. 8, may incorporate one or more movable members that may be recessedwithin heat exchange conduit protrusion. The heat exchanger of FIG. 8may otherwise function similarly to previously described embodiments.

Embodiments of a heat exchanger with a casing conduit, as illustrated inFIGS. 9-10, may incorporate one or more movable members that may berecessed within a heat exchange conduit protrusion. Heat exchanger 100may otherwise function similarly to previously described embodiments.

Some embodiments may include provisions for translating or extending amovable member from a retracted position to an extended position. Theseprovisions impede flow within a heat exchange conduit without the use ofa pivoting mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross sectional view of a preferred embodimentincluding retracted movable members within a recess of a heat exchangeconduit. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross sectional view of a preferredembodiment including extended movable members within a recess of a heatexchange conduit. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, heat exchange conduit404 may include a heat exchange conduit recess 457. Movable member 422may reside entirely or partially within heat exchange conduit recess357. Movable member secured end 423 may be connected to movable body 464at movable body side 465.

When movable member 422 and movable body 464 may be in a retractedposition, movable member 422 and movable body 464 may reside entirelywithin heat exchange conduit recess 457. Movable member free end 421 mayhave an extreme end that defines a tip surface. In a preferredembodiment, the tip surface may lie flush with or in the same plane asheat exchange conduit inner surface 409. When movable member 422 andmovable body 464 are in an extended position, movable member 422 mayprotrude into the flow path of heat exchange conduit 404.

In the same manner as movable member 122 and 322, the shape, size, andspacing of movable member 422 may vary in different embodiments. Similarto movable member 322, movable member 422 may be of varying shapes.Preferably, movable member 422 may be wedge-shaped. However, in otherembodiments, movable member 422 may be of any shape including arectangular flat plate. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross sectional view ofanother embodiment including retracted movable members within a recessof a heat exchange conduit. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross sectional viewof another embodiment including extended movable members within a recessof a heat exchange conduit. FIGS. 15 and 16 show a movable member 422that has a rectangular flat plate shape.

In the same manner as heat exchange conduit recess 357, the shape, size,and spacing of heat exchange conduit recess 457 may vary in differentembodiments. The shape and size of heat exchange conduit recess 457 maybe any shape and size that allows at least a portion of movable member322 and movable body 464 to lie within heat exchange conduit recess 457.Preferably, heat exchange conduit recess 457 may be larger than movablemember 422 and movable body 464 and shaped similarly to movable body464. Preferably, heat exchange conduit recess 457 may also have onlyenough clearance to allow movable member 422 and movable body 464 tomove from a retracted position to an extended position. The spacing ofheat exchange conduit recess 457 from other portions of heat exchangeconduit 404 should be such that heat exchange conduit recess 457 alignswith the location and orientation of movable member 422 and movable body464.

Some embodiments may include more than one movable member. In anexemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-16, heat exchange conduit 404 mayinclude a group of movable members 437. In an embodiment, each movablemember may be connected to one movable body and reside in one heatexchange conduit recess. Preferably, a group of movable members 437 maybe connected to a single movable body 464 and reside in one heatexchange conduit recess 457. Similar to movable member 422, the freeends of a group of movable members 437 may have extreme ends thatdefining a tip surface. In a preferred embodiment, the tip surfaces maylie flush with or in the same plane as heat exchange conduit innersurface 409. Similar to movable members 137, the shape, size,orientation and spacing of the group movable members 437 may also vary.In addition, the spacing between individual members of the group ofmovable members 437 may vary from one embodiment to another. Preferably,the distance between the individual movable members within a group ofmovable members 437 may be approximately half the length of anindividual movable member within the group of movable members 437.

Similar to previous embodiments, heat exchange conduit 404 may includefirst fluid 405 flowing through heat exchange conduit interior 411. Inembodiments that may use a movable member 422 or more than one movablemember, the flow field within heat exchange conduit 404 may vary.Additionally, the flow field may vary based on the orientation orposition of movable member 422 and other movable members. The flow fieldmay resemble those previously described for movable members 122, 133,and 137. In addition, because the movable members 422, 433, and 437 maybe recessed when in a retracted position, the flow may be more laminarthan in previous embodiments where the movable members may not berecessed.

Embodiments may also include a control system comprising anelectromagnet and other electrical components as described in previousembodiments. The electromagnet may be activated to attract or repel amovable member magnet depending on the heat transfer needed.Electromagnet 428 may be located near heat exchange conduit exteriorsurface 413 and preferably in the vicinity of movable member 422 andmovable member magnet 426.

Some embodiments may include additional provisions to restrict themovement or range of motion of movable member 422. These provisionsassist in controlling the position of movable member 422 so that theflow rate and heat transfer rate can be more precisely controlled. Forexample, heat exchange conduit recess 457 may include a slidingmechanism that allows movable member 422 and movable body 464 to movefrom a retracted position, within heat exchange conduit recess 457, toan extended position, where movable member free end 421 moves into heatexchange conduit 404 to impede flow.

The sliding mechanism may be attached to movable body 464. Slidingelement 466 may be configured in one or more pieces that extend whollyor partially through movable body 464. Sliding element 466 may also beslidably connected to heat exchange conduit recess surface 459. However,sliding element 466 may not continuously contact heat exchange conduitrecess surface 459. Sliding element 466 may be designed to extendtowards heat exchange conduit recess surface 459 so that movable member422 and movable body 464 have little clearance to move laterally. Heatexchange conduit recess 457 may also be designed so that the portionsthat receive sliding element 466 may be slots.

Some embodiments may also include provisions for restricting the rangeof motion of movable member 422. Stops 468 and 470 may be used toprevent movable member 422 from moving beyond the distal position. Stops468 and 470 may be extensions of heat exchange conduit 404 that extendinto heat exchange conduit recess 457. To contact stops 468 and 470 andprevent movable member 422 from moving beyond the distal position,sliding element 466 may be utilized. When movable member 422 moves froma retracted position to the distal position, the ends of sliding element466 may contact sides 472 and 474 of stops 468 and 470 and preventmovable member 422 from moving beyond the distal position.

In different embodiments, the shape, length, and orientation of stops468 and 470 and sliding element 466 may vary based on the distalposition of movable member 422. Stops 468 and 470 and sliding element466 may be of any shape, length, or orientation. For example, stops 468and 470 may protrude at an angle into heat exchange conduit recess 457,at an angle into heat exchange conduit interior 411, or at no angle andlie parallel to heat exchange conduit 404. Preferably, stops 468 and 470and sliding element 466 do not contact each other unless movable member422 shifts to a distal position.

Embodiments of a heat exchange system including a heat exchanger and adevice that heats fluid as a byproduct of use, as illustrated in FIG. 7,may incorporate one or more movable members 422, 437 that move from aretracted position to an extended position. Heat exchanger 101 mayotherwise function similarly to previously described embodiments.

Embodiments of a heat exchanger with variable heat transfer capabilitiesat different sections of the heat exchange conduit, as illustrated inFIG. 8, may incorporate one or more movable members 422, 437 that movefrom a retracted position to an extended position. The heat exchanger ofFIG. 8 may otherwise function similarly to previously describedembodiments.

Embodiments of a heat exchanger with a casing conduit, as illustrated inFIGS. 9-10, may incorporate one or move movable members 422, 437 thatmove from a retracted position to an extended position. Heat exchanger100 may otherwise function similarly to previously describedembodiments.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, thedescription is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restrictedexcept in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also,various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of theattached claims.

1. A heat exchanger comprising: a conduit defining an interior surfaceand an exterior surface; said interior surface configured to contain afirst fluid; said exterior surface adapted to be in contact with asecond fluid; a movable member attached to said interior surface of saidconduit for acting on the first fluid; and a control system operablycoupled to said movable member and altering a heat transfercharacteristic of said heat exchanger by moving said movable member. 2.The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein said control systemcomprises: an electronic control unit exterior to said conduit todetermine a desired heat transfer rate and to move said movable member.3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein said control systemfurther comprises: an electromagnet exterior to said conduit andadjacent to said movable member; said electronic control unit operablyconnected to said electromagnet; and said electromagnet responding tothe desired heat transfer rate and in magnetic communication with saidmovable member through said conduit to move said movable member.
 4. Theheat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein said movable membercomprises: a permanent magnet moving in response to a magnetic fieldcreated by said electromagnet.
 5. A heat exchanger comprising: a conduitdefining an interior surface and an exterior surface; said interiorsurface configured to contain a first fluid; said exterior surfaceadapted to be in contact with a second fluid; multiple movable membersattached to said interior surface of said conduit for acting on thefirst fluid; and an electromagnetic control system operably coupled tosaid movable members and altering a desired heat transfer rate betweensaid interior surface of said conduit and said exterior surface of saidconduit by moving said multiple movable members.
 6. The heat exchangerof claim 5, comprising: said multiple movable members organized intomultiple units; each of said multiple units comprised of at least onemovable member.
 7. The heat exchanger of claim 6, wherein saidelectromagnetic control unit independently moves said each of saidmultiple units to achieve the desired heat transfer rate between saidinterior of said conduit and said exterior of said conduit.
 8. A heatexchanger comprising: a conduit defining an interior surface and anexterior surface; said interior surface configured to contain a firstfluid; said exterior surface adapted to be in contact with a secondfluid; a stationary member connected to said interior surface of saidconduit and angled in a downstream direction to impede flow of the firstfluid through said conduit. a movable member attached to said interiorsurface of said conduit for acting on the first fluid; and anelectromagnetic control system operably coupled to said movable memberand controlling a flow characteristic of the first fluid.
 9. The heatexchanger according to claim 8, wherein said movable member is movablefrom a retracted position, in which said movable member is proximal tosaid interior surface of said conduit, to a distal position, in which aportion of said movable member is distal from said interior surface ofsaid conduit.
 10. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein saidmovable member is movable to a desired position between the retractedposition and the distal position.
 11. A heat exchange system comprising:a heat exchanger; a device that heats fluid as a byproduct of use; afirst conduit fluidly connecting an outlet of said device to an inlet ofsaid heat exchanger; a second conduit fluidly connecting an outlet ofsaid heat exchanger to an inlet of said device; and wherein said heatexchanger comprises: a third conduit defining an interior surface and anexterior surface; said interior surface configured to contain a firstfluid; said exterior surface adapted to be in contact with a secondfluid; a movable member attached to said interior surface of said thirdconduit for acting on the first fluid; and a control system operablycoupled to said movable member and altering a heat transfercharacteristic of said heat exchanger by moving said movable member. 12.The heat exchange system according to claim 11, wherein said controlsystem comprises: a sensor in communication with said device to detect athermodynamic property of one of said first fluid or said device. 13.The heat exchange system according to claim 12, wherein said controlsystem further comprises: an electronic control unit exterior to saidconduit; and said electronic control unit in communication with saidsensor and responding to said thermodynamic property by determining adesired heat transfer rate.
 14. The heat exchange system according toclaim 13, wherein said control system further comprises: anelectromagnet exterior to said conduit and adjacent to said movablemember; said electronic control unit operably connected to saidelectromagnet to move said movable member; and said electromagnetresponding to the desired heat transfer rate and in magneticcommunication with said movable member through said conduit to move saidmovable member.
 15. The heat exchange system according to claim 14,wherein said movable member comprises: a permanent magnet moving inresponse to a magnetic field created by said electromagnet.
 16. The heatexchange system according to claim 15, wherein said thermodynamicproperty is temperature.
 17. The heat exchanger according to claim 1,further comprising at least one stationary member connected to saidinterior surface of said conduit.
 18. The heat exchanger according toclaim 17, wherein said at least one stationary member is angled in adownstream direction to impede flow of the first fluid through saidconduit.
 19. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein saidmovable member is attached to said interior surface of said conduitthrough a hinge.
 20. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, furthercomprising a stop to limit movement of said movable member.
 21. The heatexchanger according to claim 9, wherein said movable member is locatedwithin a recess within said conduit when said movable member is in theretracted position.
 22. The heat exchanger according to claim 10,wherein said movable member is connected to an interior surface of saidrecess and moves from the retracted position to a desired position.